The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) says it is closely monitoring concerns surrounding several district Premier Leagues after allegations linked to online betting emerged in parts of the state. According to a report by The Times of India, the association is aware of the matter but says no formal complaint has been lodged, limiting its ability to take disciplinary action at this stage.
District leagues have expanded across Uttar Pradesh
District Premier Leagues have become an increasingly prominent part of the state’s domestic cricket landscape, with competitions being organised in Kanpur, Ayodhya, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut and Ghaziabad. Designed along the lines of professional franchise tournaments, the events feature player trials, team auctions, sponsorships, live streaming and branded teams, while offering aspiring cricketers an opportunity to progress towards the UP T20 League and potentially higher levels of the game.
As the competitions have grown in profile, allegations surrounding the commercial arrangements behind some tournaments have also come under greater scrutiny.
Officials raise concerns over alleged betting links
Some officials associated with district cricket have alleged that certain sponsors and event management companies involved with the tournaments have connections to online betting platforms.
“While the leagues are projected as professional exposure opportunities for budding cricketers, the real financial gains are being generated through betting activity around the matches,” an office-bearer of a district cricket association told The Times of India.
Alleged operating model comes under scrutiny
Another office-bearer of a district cricket association also commented on the issue.
“District league event companies work like agents of betting companies. They connect with district associations to organise district premier leagues, bring sponsors and handle hosting plans. Some sponsors also have sister companies involved in online betting. This is a planned operation, and the same event company is involved in holding multiple district leagues,” another office-bearer of a district cricket association told The Times of India.
“The model begins with trials where aspiring players are charged Rs 500–Rs 1,000 each for trials in which thousands turn up. The events are then packaged for digital visibility, with team names, match schedules and live scoring being used by betting platforms to attract online wagers,” he added.
The allegations centre on the way some tournaments are commercially organised, including player trials, sponsorship arrangements and digital coverage. Questions have also been raised over whether links between tournament stakeholders and online betting operators could undermine the integrity of competitions that serve as an important development platform for young cricketers.
UPCA says it is watching developments
The UPCA says information relating to alleged irregularities has reached the association, but maintains that formal complaints are required before any action can be initiated.
“District leagues are becoming a serious concern for UPCA. Whether it is irregularities surrounding District Premier League trials or complaints of online betting, such issues from some districts have come to our notice. However, no formal complaint has been received so far,” Prem Manohar Gupta, UPCA Secretary, told The Times of India.
“This is a serious matter and harmful to the cricketing environment. If required, strict steps will be taken. Punitive action may also be taken against anyone found guilty,” he added.
